New Hurricanes owner wants all fans to sit in lower bowl to get 'better experience'

Raleigh News & Observer | Jan 30

Carolina Hurricanes fans attending Tuesday’s game against the Ottawa Senators will have an interesting offer: sit in the lower bowl or possibly the suites at PNC Arena.

New Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon has put a priority on filling the lower level for games, saying it provides a better game atmosphere and hopefully more of a home-ice advantage for the Canes in the stretch run of the aeason. Add in the suites and there are 12,038 seats to fill.

For Tuesday’s game, those who have seats in the upper deck will be invited to take a seat in the lower bowl, or placed in available suites if there’s an overflow. That could mean the owner’s suite, if needed, Dundon said.

“I want the lower bowl to be energetic and packed,” Dundon said in an interview. “It’s obvious it’s sort of a playoff push now.

“We’re going to let the people who want to come down and get a better experience. I think we’re going to run out of tickets so we’re going to have to open up suites … to make sure we take care of as many people as we can.”

Dundon said no one would be stopped from sitting in the upper deck. There is a group of fans who call themselves “Section 328” that may not want to be displaced. There are no plans to lower the black curtains, Dundon said.

“I think it would be awesome if there’s nobody up there but it might end up there’s a few because people have their preferences,” Dundon said. “I’m hoping they all want to come down and get it closer and make it louder. That’s the goal, to make this more the playoff-type environment.”

The Canes, four points out of playoff position, are beginning an eight-game homestand, their longest of the season. There are 10 home games in February, and the team is offering ticket promotions to help fill the building.